To examine local dropout trends the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OCPS) documented the numbers and described the characteristics of those who dropped out in the 1985-86 school year. Local dropout rates were compared to those of other school districts and the nation as a whole. A dropout was defined as any student who is under age 18 and has not graduated from high school and is not attending any public school or otherwise receiving an education pursuant to law for the full term of the school district in which he or she resides. The student who is absent for 20 consecutive days and for whom no other school has requested his records is also considered a dropout. The OCPS recorded a 2 percent dropout rate at the middle schools, a 10.9 percent rate at the high schools and an over-all rate of 6.6 percent. Students most likely to drop out were American Indians or Whites. The most frequent time to leave was in the ninth or tenth grade and the highest numbers left in November or February. Almost identical numbers of males and females dropped out. Slightly over half of the dropouts were from families with a lower socio-economic background. The most frequent reason for leaving was a lack of interest in school. Achievement scores of dropouts indicated a history of below average achievement. (PS)

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews